Author: Ali B.

Later today, the focus will remain on the German Prelim CPI and Advance GDP figures from the U.S. both of the events are expected to perform worse than before as the data represents the economic activity of the lockdown period. So most of it is already priced in. However, the U.S. Jobless claims will remain in the highlights, and these are expected to rise again, perhaps due to the second wave of COVID19 in the U.S.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

  

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

The EUR/USD pair was closed at 1.21117 after placing a high of 1.21696 and a low of 1.20581. The EUR/USD pair posted losses on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark short-term interest rates unchanged near zero and maintained an asset purchasing program at $120 billion a month. 

The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee released its statement from the January meeting that stated that the pace of recovery in economic activity and employment has moderate in recent months with weakness concentrated in the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic. 

According to the statement, the coronavirus pandemic was causing tremendous human and economic hardship across the United States and worldwide. The committee also stated that the economy’s path would depend significantly on the course of the virus, including the progress on vaccination.

The market’s reaction to the Federal Reserve policy decision kept the EUR/USD pair under pressure, and hence, the currency pair started to extend its losses on Wednesday. Whereas the single currency Euro faced mixed movements throughout the day, the currency remained under pressure with fresh speculations that the ECB could soon cut Eurozone interest rates. The Central Bank was reportedly concerned that markets were pricing out the chances of more interest rate cuts from the ECB. 

Furthermore, the fears for vaccine shortage in Eurozone also weighed on the single currency on Wednesday after the European Union called out vaccine makers AstraZeneca and Pfizer over delivery delays that could slow its recovery from the pandemic. Officials were even threatening to restrict exports and take legal actions as anger mounts. 

According to E.U. officials, AstraZeneca will not deliver as many doses as it promised and has put the government rollout plans and economic recovery at risk. The news came in after Pfizer said that it had delivered fewer doses of its vaccine than expected last week. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen turned up the pharmaceutical companies’ heat and said that Europe had invested billions in helping develop the world’s first coronavirus vaccine to create a truly global common good, and now companies must deliver and honor their obligations. 

The European Union has devoted part of 2.7 billion euros emergency fund to assist with vaccine development. E.U. countries we recounted on the vaccines to rein in the health crisis and jumpstart their economies, but now they were forced to modify their plans. Furthermore, the E.U. urged the pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca to supply it with more coronavirus vaccine doses from U.K. plants to row over shortages. However, the company denied and said that the production delay in European plants could only deliver a fraction of the doses it promised for the first quarter of the year. However, the E.U. insisted that doses made elsewhere should make up the shortfall and d criticize the slow rollout of vaccination.

This vaccine drama in the European Union raised concerns over the delayed economic recovery and added weight on the single currency Euro that ultimately added EUR/USD pair losses on Wednesday.

On a data front, at 18:30 GMT, the Core Durable Goods Orders for December rose to 0.7% against the expected 0.5% and supported the U.S. dollar that added more losses in EUR/USD pair. 

In December, the Durable Goods Orders dropped to 0.2% against the expected 1.0% and weighed on the U.S. dollar. From the European side, at 12:00 GMT, the German GfK Consumer Climate dropped in January to -15.6 against the forecasted -7.8. It weighed on Euro that ultimately dragged the currency pair EUR/USD further on the downside on Wednesday. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support Resistance

1.2119 1.2189

1.2079 1.2217

1.2050 1.2258

Pivot point: 1.2148

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD pair is trading with a bearish bias at 1.2090, facing immediate resistance at 1.2120 level. The EUR/USD is closing three black crows on the hourly timeframe, suggesting selling bias in the pair. On the lower side, the pair is expected to go after 1.2095 and 1.2060 level. The 50 periods EMA are suggesting selling bias in Euro today.

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD pair was closed at 1.36887 after placing a high of 1.37586 and a low of 1.36590. On Wednesday, the currency pair GBP/USD dropped and posted losses for the day amid the broad-based U.S. dollar strength after the FOMC statement and Fed’s monetary policy decision.

The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee released its statement from January’s meeting on Wednesday that mentioned that the Fed will keep its interest rates near zero and maintain the asset purchasing program of $120 billion per month.

Federal Reserve said that the economic path would solely be decided by pandemic and vaccine rollout developments. Other than this, everything stated in the statement issued by FOMC was just as expected and supported the U.S. dollar that ultimately kept the GBP/USD pair under pressure for the day. On the data front, at 18:30 GMT, the Core Durable Goods Orders for December surged to 0.7% against the anticipated 0.5% and supported the U.S. dollar that ultimately added weight on GBP/USD pair. In December, the Durable Goods Orders fell to 0.2% against the anticipated 1.0% and weighed on the U.S. dollar that capped further GBP/USD pair losses. 

From Britain’s side, at 05:01 GMT, the BRC Shop Price Index for the year came in as -2.2% against the previous -1.8%.

The GBP/USD pair rose to its highest since May 2018 on Wednesday however failed to remain there and reversed its direction. The rise in the GBP/USD pair during the session’s early trading hours could be attributed to U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s latest comments.

The PM has said that he hopes that a gradual and phased relaxation of coronavirus restrictions could begin in early March. Johnson said that he intended to set out a plan to ease the lockdown in England. The factors will include death and hospitalization numbers, the progress of vaccinations, and changes in viruses.

He also ruled out schools in England re-opening after the February half term instead set a target of 8-March. He also announced a 10-day self-funded quarantine restriction for all travelers entering the U.K. from high-risk countries under tighter border restrictions to combat new variants of coronavirus. The PM was under pressure from Tory MPs to spell out plans for how the current lockdown will end. Then PM replied that relaxing restriction would depend on emerging data about how effectively the vaccine stops virus transmission. These comments from UK PM raised the local currency, British Pound, to economic recovery and pushed the pair GBP/USD in early trading hours. However, the strength of the U.S. dollar due to the Federal Reserve’s decision in the January monetary policy meeting added pressure on the currency pair. It dragged GBP/USD to the downside.

Daily Technical Levels

Support Resistance

1.3647 1.3783

1.3560 1.3832

1.3511 1.3918

Pivot point: 1.3696

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

A day before, the GBP/USD pair traded bullish after violating the narrow trading range of 1.3680 – 1.3670. It placed a high of around 1.3753 level, and it later reversed back to trade between the same trading range of 1.3696 – 1.3646. The GBP/USD may find support around the 1.3647 level, and violation of this level can extend selling bias until 1.3610. Approaching the 2-hour timeframe, the GBP/USD is holding below 10 and 20 periods EMA, and it may extend the selling trend today. Let’s consider taking a sell trade until 1.3645 and 1.361 level.  

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY pair was closed at 104.108 after placing a high of 104.197 and a low of 103.579. The USD/JPY pair rose and reached its nine-day highest level on the back of the U.S. dollar’s broad-based strength. 

The currency pair USD/JPY touched its highest since January 19 and surpassed 104 level on Wednesday as the greenback became strong on board. The currency pair preserved its bullish momentum as the U.S. Dollar Index that measures the greenback’s value against the basket of six major currencies rose to a weekly top at 90.62 on Wednesday and boosted the safe-haven U.S. dollar. The strength in the U.S. dollar then ultimately pushed the currency pair USD/JPY on the upside.

The risk-averse market sentiment was confirmed by the declining S&P 500 futures that lost more than 1% on the day. Wall Street’s main indexes also started the day in negative territory and supported the U.S. dollar and USD/JPY pair. On the data front, at 18:30 GMT, the Core Durable Goods Orders for December advanced to 0.7% against the estimated 0.5% and supported the U.S. dollar, and added further gains in the USD/JPY pair. In December, the Durable Goods Orders plunged to 0.2% against the estimated 1.0% and weighed on the U.S. dollar. Nevertheless, investors largely ignored the data as the focus was solely on the FOMC’s policy announcement.

The first policy meeting under Joe Biden’s presidency had all the investors’ focus, and that kept driving the whole market on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made clear that the U.S. Central bank was nowhere near exiting massive support for the economy during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Reserve officials kept the benchmark interest rates unchanged near zero and flagged a moderating U.S. recovery in a statement released by FOMC for the January meeting. The bank repeated that it would maintain its bond-buying program at the current pace of $120 billion of purchases per month until substantial further progress towards its employment and inflation goals. 

After this announcement, the Yields on U.S. 10-year Treasury notes hovered just above 1%, and the U.S. dollar held its gains while the S&P 500 closed 2.6%, down from its steepest drop since October amid growing concerns that stocks have become overvalued. FOMC said in a statement that the pace of the recovery in economic activity and employment has moderated in months, with weaknesses concentrated in the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic. Central Bank also said that the path for the economy would depend significantly not just on the coronavirus but also on vaccination progress. There was no macroeconomic data from Japan to be released on Wednesday, so the pair USD/JPY continued following the developments made in the U.S. front and continued rising on the day.


Daily Technical Levels

Support Resistance

103.49 103.77

103.38 103.94

103.20 104.05

Pivot point: 103.66

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

The USD/JPY pair is trading with a bullish bias at 104.350, and violation of this level is likely to lead the USD/JPY pair until the 104.745 level. On the lower side, the USD/JPY may find support at the 104.198 level. We can expect USDJPY to bounce off upon the 104.198 level today. On the 4 hour timeframe, the USDJPY pair is likely to close a doji candle below 104.368 level. If this happens, we may see a bearish correction in the USD/JPY pair. Good luck! 

On the news front, the eyes will remain on the FOMC Statement and Federal Funds Rate, which is not expected to change the interest rate. Still, it will help us understand U.S. economic situation and policymakers’ stance on it. Besides, the Durable Goods Orders m/m from the U.S. will also remain in highlights.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

 

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

The EUR/USD closed at 1.21595 after placing a high of 1.21756 and a low of 1.21076. The EUR/USD pair edged higher on Tuesday as the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) dropped and the risk appetite in the market witnessed a major turnaround. After a mixed start on the session, the European equities embarked upon a recovery mode and brought back the market’s risk sentiment. The pan-European benchmark, the Euro Stoxx 50, rallied by 1% and lifted the overall market mood. Whereas, the safe-haven U.S. dollar came under pressure after a rise in European equities and come back of risk sentiment that ultimately added gains in the currency pair EUR/USD on Tuesday.

In the early Asian trading session, the main currency pair EUR/USD extended its previous day’s bearish sentiment and fell below 1.2108, on the back of the U.S. dollar’s strength gathered by the risk-off market mood driven by the deadlock over U.S. fiscal stimulus and the renewed US-China tensions over the South China Sea.

On Tuesday, China said that it would conduct military exercises in the South China Sea this week, just days after complaining that a U.S. aircraft carrier group has sailed through the disputed waters. These rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies raised the safe-haven appeal in early trading hours on Tuesday. They lifted the greenback that ultimately dragged the currency pair EUR/USD on the downside.

 However, during early European trading hours, the risk-sentiment started to come back as the positive shift in the tone of the news flow on the coronavirus front. Moderna and Pfizer announced that they were looking into coronavirus booster shots that would specifically target building immunity to variants of the virus, such as that discovered in South Africa a few weeks ago. 

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson’s CFO has said earlier that they expect to release COVID-19 vaccine trial data next week. The company was very optimistic that they will be releasing a very robust data set. The J&J’s vaccine has been advertised as a game-changer in the vaccination race as it would only require one shot to acquire full immunity. This vaccine-related optimism helped risk sentiment in the market and supported riskier assets like EUR/USD pair on Tuesday.

On the data front, there was no macroeconomic data released from the European side. In contrast, from the U.S. side, at 19:00 GMT, the Housing Price Index from the U.S. for November rose to 1.0% against the forecasted 0.9% and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further upside in the EUR/USD pair. 

The S&P/CS Composite -20 HPI for the year also rose to 9.1% against the forecasted 8.8% and supported the U.S. dollar. At 19:59 GMT, the Richmond Manufacturing Index for January declined to 14 against the forecasted 18 and weighed on the U.S. dollar that added gains in the EUR/USD pair. At 20:00 GMT, the C.B. Consumer Confidence in January rose to 89.3 against the forecasted 88.9 and supported the U.S. dollar and limited further gains in the EUR/USD pair on Tuesday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2108     1.2177

1.2077     1.2215

1.2039    1.2245

Pivot Point: 1.2146

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD pair is trading at 1.2156, facing immediate resistance at 1.2165 level. The EUR/USD has entered the overbought zone on the hourly timeframe, suggesting odds of bearish correction in the pair. On the lower side, the pair is likely to complete 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 1.2150 and 61.8% Fibonacci retracement at 1.2134. Selling bias seems strong.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD pair was closed at 1.37363 after placing a high of 1.37443 and a low of 1.36092. GBP/USD pair rebounded on Tuesday during early European trading hours after falling below 1.36100 level. The GBP/USD pair’s comeback was due to the recovered risk appetite in the market and Britain’s strong job report.

However, despite the strong macroeconomic data from Great Britain, the GBP/USD pair benefited from the broad U.S. dollar’s weakness on Tuesday as investors focused more on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision. The risk appetite took a significant turn during the early European trading hours after a downbeat Asa Pacific session. It weighed on the safe-haven U.S. dollar that ultimately lifted the GBP/USD pair on Tuesday. U.S. stocks were high, European equities erased most of Monday’s losses, the crude oil market was also high, and bond yields were rising on both sides of the Atlantic. 

The reason behind the turnaround of the risk sentiment was the positive vaccine news, as Moderna and Pfizer announced last night that they were starting investigating a booster vaccine shot that will come between 6-12 months after the second doses and will provide immunity against the new variants of coronavirus like the one emerged in South Africa in the past few days. Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson CFO also said on Tuesday that they expect to release the trail data for their coronavirus vaccine next week. They were very optimistic that the data will be robust and have claimed that their vaccine will be a game-changer in the vaccine race as it will provide full immunity in a single shot.

The rising risk sentiment in the market helped the risk perceived GBP/USD currency pair gain traction and rose to post gains for the day. On the data front, at 19:00 GMT, the Housing Price Index from the U.S. for November surged to 1.0% against the projected 0.9% and supported the U.S. dollar, and capped further upside in the GBP/USD pair. The S&P/CS Composite -20 HPI for the year also surged to 9.1% against the projected 8.8% and supported the U.S. dollar. At 19:59 GMT, the Richmond Manufacturing Index for January decreased to 14 against the projected 18 and weighed on the U.S. dollar, which ultimately added more GBP/USD pair gains. At 20:00 GMT, the C.B. Consumer Confidence in January surged to 89.3 against the projected 88.9 and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further bullish momentum in GBP/USD pair.

From the Britain side, at 12:00 GMT, the Average Earnings Index for the quarter raised to 3.6% against the estimated 2.9% and supported the British pound that pushed the pair GBP/USD even higher on board. For December, the Claimant Count Change declined to 7.0K against the forecasted 47.5K and supported Sterling, which ultimately added more GBP/USD pair gains. In December, the Unemployment Rate from Britain also dropped to 5.0%against the forecasted 5.1% and supported British Pound that lifted the bullish sentiment in GBP/USD pair. AT 16:00 GMT, the CBI Realized Sales in January dropped to -50 against the estimated -32 and weighed on British Pound and capped further upside in GBP/USD pair on Tuesday.

Another reason that could also be attributed to the rising prices of GBP/USD pair on Tuesday was UK PM Boris Johnson’s latest announcement about new travel instructions. The incoming passengers in the U.K. will need to self-fund a quarantine for ten days in a hotel. The new policy was a part of a government strategy to prevent foreign strains of the virus from entering the U.K. This also helped British Pound gain strength and support the GBP/USD pair’s upward momentum on Tuesday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3641     1.3717

1.3607     1.3759

1.3565     1.3794

Pivot Point: 1.3683

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

On Wednesday, the GBP/USD pair continues trading with a bullish bias at 1.3733 level after violating the symmetric triangle pattern. The GBP/USD pair is trading with a bullish bias on the two-hourly timeframes, facing immediate resistance at 1.3749 area. A bullish breakout of this level is expected to trigger further buying trends until the 1.3807 mark. Today, we can expect to enter a buy position over 1.3749 and selling below the same. 

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY pair was closed at 103.617 after placing a high of 103.826 and a low of 103.553. After rising for two consecutive sessions, the USD/JPY pair dropped on Tuesday despite the market’s rising risk-on market sentiment. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the greenback against the basket of six major currencies, was up on Tuesday by 0.2% at 90.547 level and supported the U.S. dollar. The safe-haven greenback gained in early trading hours of the day as the rising tensions between the U.S. and China over the South China Sea prompted the risk-off mood. 

On Tuesday, China said that it would conduct military exercises in the South China Sea later this week. This announcement came in just days after they had complained that a U.S. aircraft carrier group has sailed through the disputed waters. This helped the Japanese Yen gain traction due to its safe-haven nature and weighed on the USD/JPY pair. 

The US-China relation also came under headlines after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the new cold war. On Monday, Xi warned global leaders against starting a “new Cold War” and urged unity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. He said that building small cliques or starting a new Cold War to reject, threaten or intimidate others will only push the world into division.

The words appeared to be aimed at U.S. President Joe Biden’s plans to revitalize global alliances to counter China’s growing influence. These comments added to the tensions between China and the U.S. and raised the need for safe-haven that ultimately supported the safe-haven Japanese Yen and dragged the pair USD/JPY on the downside. However, the market’s risk sentiment came back during early European trading hours after positive news from vaccine makers came into the market. Moderna and Pfizer announced that they have started working on the booster shots of vaccines that will provide full immunity even against the new variants of the coronavirus like the one that emerged in South Africa. Meanwhile, the Johnson & Johnson CFO also announced that they would release their vaccine data next week, and they were very optimistic that it will be robust data. J&J has claimed that their vaccine will provide full immunity in a single shot, and if the data suggested so, it would be a game-changer in the vaccine race so far.

The rising risk sentiment in the market could not lift the USD/JPY pair, and the pair continued moving in the bearish trend for the day.

On the data front, at 19:00 GMT, the Housing Price Index from the U.S. for November advanced to 1.0% against the anticipated 0.9% and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further losses in the USD/JPY pair. The S&P/CS Composite -20 HPI for the year also advanced to 9.1% against the anticipated 8.8% and supported the U.S. dollar. At 19:59 GMT, the Richmond Manufacturing Index for January fell to 14 against the anticipated 18 and weighed on the U.S. dollar, adding more losses in the USD/JPY pair. At 20:00 GMT, the C.B. Consumer Confidence in January advanced to 89.3 against the anticipated 88.9 and supported U.S. dollar.

From the Japanese side, at 04:50 GMT, the SPPI for the year in December came in as -0.4% against the predicted -0.6% and supported Japanese Yen that added further downside momentum in the USD/JPY pair. At 10:00 GMT, the BOJ Core CPI for the year dropped to -0.3% against the expected -0.1% and weighed on the Japanese Yen.

Furthermore, the losses in USD/JPY were also capped after the announcement from the U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday. He said that the U.S. would accelerate the delivery of coronavirus vaccines across the country as his administration plans to buy 200 million more doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. However, Biden also warned that even with more Americans set to be inoculated sooner than previously anticipated due to additional doses, the pandemic would continue to worsen before it gets better. 

According to the Johns Hopkins University data, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide has passed 100 million just over a year since the first cases of the mysterious new illness was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan. This weighed on market sentiment and supported the safe-haven Japanese Yen that ultimately added the USD/JPY pair’s losses on Tuesday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.62     103.89

103.50     104.06

103.34     104.17

Pivot point: 103.78

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

On Wednesday, the USD/JPY continues to trade sideways inside a broad trading range of 103.900 – 103.560. The USD/JPY has formed a symmetrical triangle pattern on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.800 upon the breakout of 104.810. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

Investor’s eyes will stay on the Claimant Count Change and Unemployment Rate data from the U.K. as it’s likely to drive market movements during the European session. Later on, the C.B. Consumer Confidence from the U.S. will focus on the New York session today.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

  

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

The EUR/USD closed at 1.21415 after placing a high of 1.21831 and a low of 1.21158. After rising for two consecutive sessions, the EUR/USD pair dropped on Monday as the common currency remained under pressure due to the slow pace of coronavirus vaccination roll out in Europe. The slow distribution of vaccines and the new manufacturing issues lagged the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the old continent. After Pfizer told the E.U. that retooling in its Belgian plant would cause a delay, AstraZeneca made a similar announcement on Friday. The bloc has a substantial deal with the British pharmaceutical, and the European regulator was set to approve it on Friday.

Apart from the vaccine delays, the fears of new coronavirus variants were also of concern and could trigger another nationwide lockdown in France, the Eurozone’s second-largest economy. Berlin has also announced to extend its restrictions through mid-February. On the other hand, the safe-haven U.S. dollar was on the back foot across the board due to U.S. President Joe Biden pushing his $1.9 trillion relief program. Simultaneously, moderate Senators were pushing back against approving new expenditure only a month after they approved $900 billion of funds. However, Democrats were set to ram through the package via a reconciliation that would relieve them of the need to receive Republicans’ support.

Another option is to quickly approve the coronavirus-related funds and delaying the other aspects of the suggested package, such as a hike to the minimum wage. These options also kept the prospects of package delivery in the act and kept weighing on the U.S. dollar that ultimately capped further downside in the EUR/USD pair. On the data front, at 14:00 GMT, the German IFO Business Climate dropped to 90.1 against the forecasted 91.5 and weighed on Euro. At 19:00 GMT, the Belgian NBB Business Climate dropped to -7.5 against the expected -8.0 and supported Euro.

It seems like the German Business Climate went down because of the issues mentioned above, as the lockdown restrictions have badly disturbed the business community and weighed on the common currency that dragged the EUR/USD prices on the downside. Meanwhile, equity markets have posted healthy gains over the last few weeks on bets coronavirus vaccines will start to reduce infection rates worldwide and on a stronger U.S. economic recovery under President Joe Biden. 

However, the vaccine rollout has been uneven, with relatively rapid progress in the U.K. but a much slower rollout in France. AstraZeneca warned of further delays to deliveries of its vaccines in Europe on Friday due to production blockage at one of its manufacturing partners. Over the weekend, Italy threatened legal action against both Astra and Pfizer over delivery delays. On Sunday, France has announced to impose a third lockdown that was already under a national 12-hour curfew. All these developments turned the European futures red and weighed on risk sentiment that ultimately dragged the EUR/USD pair on the downside.

On Monday, ECB President Christine Lagarde said that Climate Change could create short-term volatility in output and inflation through extreme weather events and, if left unaddressed, can have long-lasting effects on growth and inflation. ECB announced on Monday that it was creating a team of around 10 ECB employees, reporting directly to Lagarde to set the central bank’s agenda on climate-related topics.

On Monday, the ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane said that the European Central bank primarily focused on bank credit conditions ad bond yields when assessing if financing conditions were favorable. He added that naturally, the focus on credit conditions in the banking system on one side and the bond market on the other side was consistent with the main methods used by central banks in steering financial conditions. On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve will meet for its first monetary policy meeting, and the decision of the meeting will be handed down on the next day. EUR/USD pair traders will keep an eye on Fed’s decision for future impetus.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2163       1.2173

1.2158       1.2178

1.2153       1.2183

Pivot Point: 1.2168

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD pair’s technical side has turned bearish as it trades below the support level of 1.2133 level. Formation of the bearish engulfing candle on the hourly timeframe can extend selling bias until the support level of 1.2115 area. Whereas, further selling trend can lead the EUR/USD pair towards the support level of 1.2090 mark. Selling bias seems to dominate the EUR/USD pair today.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD closed at 1.36757 after placing a high of 1.37232 and a low of 1.36485. The GBP/USD pair struggled to advance on Monday amid the concerns over the coronavirus pandemic that worsened and raised the safe-haven appeal. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed data that suggested the U.K. coronavirus variant actually may be deadlier than other variants. A British report found that the variant was associated with a higher death rate than other variants. But the United Kingdom’s chief scientist Patrick Vallance has stressed to reporters that the evidence was not yet strong. 

Previous research has shown that the variant was more contagious than the previous form of coronavirus. But scientists did not believe it was more deadly as it began spreading in the U.K. last fall. Several separate analysis from British researchers found that the patients infected with the variant have a higher risk of severe disease and death. However, U.K. scientists insisted that these researches have several limitations and that more research was needed to confirm these findings.

These reports raised concerns for economic recovery as the threats of new variants could mean new and stricter restrictions throughout the globe. That raised the risk-off market sentiment that ultimately weighed on the risk perceived GBP/USD pair on Monday.

The British Pound advanced last week against its major rival currencies due to a combination of higher market sentiment and hopes for Britain ramping up its coronavirus vaccination scheme. However, the coronavirus pandemic continued to weigh heavily on the British Pound outlook due to the new variant and its association with the mortality rate. As a result, the U.K. government indicated that the current lockdown could last for quite some time as infection rates remain high in the country. These coronavirus fears continued weighing on the British Pound on Monday and dragged the GBP/USD pair on the downside in the absence of any macroeconomic data from both sides.

On the U.S. side, the safe-haven U.S. dollar was strong on Monday as investors were hesitant to sell it as global coronavirus pandemic fears boosted the appetite for safer assets. The greenback’s strength also weighed on GBP/USD pair and extended its losses on the day. However, the GBP/USD pair’s losses started to reverse in the late session on Monday, and the currency pair ended its day with zero loss or gained as it was closed at the same level it began its day with. The reversal in GBP/USD pair in late trading hours came in due to some good news from the U.K. side. 

The U.K. saw a sustained weakness in the infections and the death toll on Monday as the country reported the lowest cases since mid-December on that day. The British Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised the latest measures to flash early positive signs while conveying heavy vaccination and lockdown success. However, the overall sentiment remained depressing as the delayed U.S. coronavirus aid package and AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccine delivery raised fears for global economic recovery.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3677       1.3694

1.3668       1.3700

1.3661       1.3710

Pivot Point: 1.3684

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD pair continues trading with a bullish bias after violating the narrow trading range of 1.3680 – 1.3670. On the upper side, the GBP/USD may face resistance at 1.3736 level now, as the pair may form a triple top pattern here. At the same time, the support continues to hold around 1.3697 level. On the 2 hour timeframe, the GBP/USD has formed a symmetric triangle pattern, which is likely to provide resistance at 1.3701 along with support at 1.3613 level. Today, we can expect a choppy session in the Cable pair.   

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY closed at 103.756 after placing a high of 103.934 and a low of 103.670. USD/JPY pair extended its gains on Monday however remained depressive due to the risk-off market sentiment.

The demand for the greenback of risk-aversion pushed the USD/JPY pair to a daily high near 104 level. However, the U.S. treasury yields came under pressure with the yield on benchmark 10-year note down to 1.03% weighed by the news that U.S. President Biden’s stimulus plan faces opposition from Republican and Democrat lawmakers.

The $1.9 trillion stimulus package proposed by Biden is expected to get pass by the House of Representatives that is led by Democrats backing Biden. Still, the bill could face rejection at Senate as many senators were reluctant to pass another massive amount for spending just after a month of releasing $900 billion. However, Democrats were set to push through the package via a settlement that would relieve them of the need to receive Republicans’ support. Another option is to rapidly support the coronavirus-related funds and postpone the other suggested package features, such as a hike to the minimum wage.

Furthermore, the Federal Reserve monthly rate decision followed by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s news conference is set to deliver later this week. Rates are projected to remain flat at a near-zero level that has stood there for almost a year now due to the coronavirus pandemic crisis. However, Powell’s words will be inspected for even the smallest signal of when recovery is likely expected, and as well as a narrowing of stimulus measures.

Over the past fortnight, Powell has claimed that tapering of stimulus measures will not happen anytime soon. Still, bond traders have completely ignored him and continued pushing yields higher in the hope of proving the Fed chief wrong that ultimately supported the U.S. dollar and raised the USD/JPY pair on Monday. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.77       103.82

103.74       103.86

103.71       103.88

Pivot Point: 103.80

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

The safe-haven pair USD/JPY continues to trade sideways inside a broad trading range of 104.340 – 103.560. The USD/JPY has formed a sideways channel on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.800 upon the breakout of 104.810. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

On the news front, eyes will remain on the ECB President Lagarde Speaks and German Ifo Business Climate figures from the Eurozone. President Lagarde is due to participate in a virtual panel discussion titled “Restoring Economic Growth” at Davos 2021.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

  

 

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

 EUR/USD pair was closed at 1.21707 after placing a high of 1.21893 and a low of 1.21513. The EUR/USD tried to break above the strong resistance level of 1.2200 on Friday but failed as the U.S. dollar strength and the worsened pandemic situation around the bloc added pressure on the single currency Euro.

The U.S. dollar was strong across the board as investors were worried about the chances that President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus proposal failed to gain traction. Hopes have raised that the package’s final deal could be smaller or just be dragged, and this supported the local currency U.S. dollar, which ultimately capped further upside in the EUR.USD pair on Friday.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar was also strong due to better than expected macroeconomic data release on Friday. At 19:45 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI rose to 59.1 against the forecasted 56.6 and supported the U.S. dollar, and capped further gains in EUR/USD pair. The Flash Services PMI also rose to 57.5 against the forecasted 53.3 and supported the U.S. dollar. At 20:00 GMT, the Existing Home Sales also rose to 6.76M against the forecasted 6.55M and supported the U.S. dollar, and limited the upward momentum in EUR/USD pair. From the European side, at 13:15 GMT, the French Flash Services PMI dropped to 46.5 against the predicted 48.3 and weighed on Euro. The French Flash Manufacturing PMI raised to 51.5 against the expected 50.6 and supported Euro that added further gains in EUR/USD pair. At 13:30 GMT, the German Flash Manufacturing PMI remained flat at 57.0. The German Flash Services PMI raised to 46.8 against the forecasted 45.1 and supported Euro that ultimately provided additional gains to EUR/USD pair. At 14:00 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI remained flat with the expectations of 54.7. The Flash Services PMI raised to 45.0 against the projected 44.4 and supported Euro and pushed the EUR/USD pair higher. 

Meanwhile, the EUR/USD pair hit its highest in the week on Friday, but the day’s gains were small as the European leaders showed frustration about the slow vaccination pace. The new mutants of coronavirus raised fresh concerns in the European Union as the governments considered imposing stricter border controls and banning non-essential travel.

The European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned that the pandemic still poses severe risks to the Eurozone economy as concerns grow about new variants and sluggish vaccination campaigns. While many countries were struggling to reduce the number of infections, the emergence of more contagious virus variants first discovered in the U.K. and South Africa has added to nervousness. 

However, one factor that helped the common currency in this depressing environment to stay strong onboard was European Central Bank’s latest decision. ECB said that risks remain tilted to the downside, but they were less pronounced. The President of ECB also emphasized the need for more monetary support while the policy remained unchanged. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2127       1.2190

1.2086       1.2214

1.2063       1.2254

Pivot point: 1.2150

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD continues trading bullish at 1.2173 level and holding right above the 1.2158 support mark. Over this level, the EUR/USD has chances of bullish trend continuation until 1.2220 level. The pair has recently closed candles over 1.2158, and the continuation of the upward trend seems very likely as the 50 periods EMA supports the pair. On the higher side, the EUR/USD may find a target around 1.2220 level.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD pair was closed at 1.36816 after a high of 1.37358 and a low of 1.36354. After rising for three consecutive days, the GBP/USD pair dropped on Friday as the coronavirus pandemic hit the country hard and raised concerns for economic recovery as the lockdown restrictions extended. 

The GBP/USD pair also fell on Friday amid the broad-based strength of the greenback triggered by the rising U.S. Treasury yields and the stronger than expected macroeconomic data. The U.S. dollar was also strong as the market’s investors shifted their focus from Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion massive stimulus package and rather ignored its prospects.

The GBP/USD pair saw selling pressure on Friday as the death toll around the country rose to an alarming level amid the coronavirus’s new variant. According to a rolling analysis by Oxford University, until Thursday, the U.K. had the highest per capita daily death toll of any other country globally, around twice that of the United States.

Given this state, the British government extended the nationwide lockdown till July 17 and also decided to quarantine travelers from high-risk coronavirus countries for at least 10-days as it failed to curb the rising number of coronavirus variant infections. Meanwhile, Britain’s hospitals were also struggling under an ever-growing flow of patients. In the extended lockdown situation, the economic concerns raised rapidly and weighed on the Sterling that ultimately dragged the currency pair GBP/USD on the downside.

Furthermore, on Friday, a U.K. report was released that stated a realistic possibility that the new U.K. variant had a higher mortality rate than other variants. While the data was not decisive but UK PM Boris Johnson said that there was some evidence that the new variant may be connected with a higher degree of mortality. This news added concerns about economic recovery and weighed on the British Pound that added GBP/SD pair losses.

On the data front, at 19:45 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI advanced to 59.1 against the projected 56.6 and supported the U.S. dollar that dragged the GBP/USD pair even on the downside. The Flash Services PMI also advanced to 57.5 against the projected 53.3 and supported the U.S. dollar. At 20:00 GMT, the Existing Home Sales also advanced to 6.76M against the projected 6.55M and supported the U.S. dollar and added GBP/USD pair losses.

From Britain’s side, at 05:01 GMT, the GfK Consumer Confidence for January dropped to -28 against the expected -30 and supported British Pound that capped further downward momentum in GBP/USD pair. At 14:30 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI for January dropped to 52.9 against the forecasted 53.5 and weighed on the British Pound, ultimately pushing the pair GBP/USD lower. The Flash Manufacturing PMI also dropped to 38.8 against the expected 45.2 and weighed on British Pound and added GBP/USD pair losses.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3676      1.3763

1.3624      1.3798

1.3589      1.3850

Pivot Point: 1.3711

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD pair continues trading with a bullish bias after violating the narrow trading range of 1.3680 – 1.3670. On the higher side, the GBP/USD may find resistance at 1.3736 level now, as the pair may form a triple top pattern here. At the same time, the support continues to hold around 1.3697 level. Bullish bias dominates. 

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY closed at 103.769 after placing a high of 103.884 and a low of 103.446. After falling for two consecutive sessions, the USD/JPY pair rose on Friday amid the broad-based U.S. dollar strength; however, the sentiment remained depressing as the pandemic raised concerns for the economic recovery. The U.S. Dollar Index that measures the value of the greenback against the basket of six currencies was up by 0.1% on Friday to 90.243 level and supported the U.S. dollar that ultimately added gains in the currency pair USD/JPY.

The U.S. dollar was also high onboard on Friday as the U.S. Treasury yields also rose on the day amid the idea of greater borrowing to fund the additional stimulus proposed by Joe Biden for %1.9 trillion as it could raise the inflation and change the Federal Reserve’s ultra-loose monetary stance. This supported the risk-on market sentiment that ultimately supported the USD/JPY pair as traders were prepared to buy riskier currencies on the idea of quicker than previously expected global economic recovery after the additional stimulus to the economy.

However, these hopes deteriorated after the new variants of coronavirus from the U.K. and South Africa raised global economic concerns in the market. According to a report released on Friday from the U.K., there was a convincing possibility that the new variant of coronavirus in Britain had a higher death rate than other variants. While the data was not conclusive, but UK PM Boris Johnson said that there was some evidence that the new variant may be related to a higher degree of mortality.

This prompted U.S. President Joe Biden to reinstate a ban on most non-US citizens entering the country from Brazil and the U.K., where more transmissible variants of the coronavirus have emerged recently months. According to public health officials, the U.S. also added South Africa to the restricted list as the concerning variant has already spread beyond South Africa. Arrivals from Ireland and 26 countries in Europe were also banned to protect the people of the U.S. as it has already faced the pandemic on an extreme level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that these measures were taken to protect Americans and reduce the risks of these variants spreading and worsening the current pandemic that already affected about 25 million Americans. These developments raised the global economic recovery concerns and added in the risk-off market sentiment that ultimately capped further upside in the USD/JPY pair.

On the data front, at 19:45 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI increased to 59.1 against the anticipated 56.6 and supported the U.S. dollar that added in the upward momentum of the USD/JPY pair. The Flash Services PMI also increased to 57.5 against the anticipated 53.3 and supported the U.S. dollar. At 20:00 GMT, the Existing Home Sales also increased to 6.76M against the anticipated 6.55M and supported the U.S. dollar that pushed the USD/JPY pair higher.

At 04:30 GMT, National Core CPI for the year from Japan came in as -1.0% against the projected -1.1% and supported Japanese Yen. At 05:30 GMT, the Flash Manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.7 against the forecasted 50.1 and weighed on the Japanese Yen, supporting the upward momentum in the USD/JPY pair on Friday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.33      103.67

103.16      103.84

102.99      104.01

Pivot point: 103.50

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

On Monday, the safe-haven pair USD/JPY continues to trade sideways inside a broad trading range of 104.340 – 103.560. The USD/JPY has formed a sideways channel on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.800 upon the breakout of 104.810. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

On the news front, eyes will remain on the Manufacturing PMI and Services PMI figures from the Eurozone, U.K., and the United States. Almost all of the economic figures are expected to perform poorly than in previous months. Price action will depend upon any surprise changes in the PMI figures.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

  

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

UR/USD pair was closed at 1.21671 after placing a high of 1.21728 and a low of 1.21022. Despite the rising fears of the Eurozone falling into recession due to the damage caused by pandemic across the bloc, as warned by the European Central Bank President Christin Lagarde, the Euro rose against the U.S. dollar to a one-week high.

On Thursday, the European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said that the coronavirus pandemic was still posing serious risks to the eurozone economy as lockdowns were tightened across the region. She added that the start of vaccination campaigns across the euro area was an important milestone in resolving the ongoing health crisis. Nonetheless, the pandemic continued to pose serious risks to public health and the euro area and the global economies.

In many of the European nations, the New Year began with stricter social restrictions and national lockdowns. This week, Germany extended a national lockdown until February 14, and the Netherlands announced that there would be a curfew starting from next week. France also chose to intensify its curfew hours earlier this month, while Portugal decided to close schools from Friday.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Europe has reported more than 16 million coronavirus infections, with more than 400,000 deaths so far. Lagarde said that it was ready to update its policies whenever necessary amid the economic uncertainty. She added that ECB’s main policy target was to achieve an inflation rate close to 2%. 

Meanwhile, at its policy meeting on Thursday, ECB kept its interest rates and its huge stimulus program unchanged. The main refinancing operations remained flat at 0.00%, the marginal lending facility at 0.25%, and the deposit facility at -0.50%. The Governing Council has also decided to continue the purchases under the pandemic emergency purchase program (PEPP) with a total of 1850 billion euros until at least the end of March 2022.

In December, the bank estimated a GDP rate of 3.9% for 2021 and 2.1% for 2022. However, according to ECB, there were doubts over how the euro area will cope this year after a 7.3% GDP drop last year. ECB also signaled it might not need the full extent of its emergency purchase program to support the recovery. However, chances for an increase in the program were also mentioned to ensure the euro area economy remains well-financed. These comments from Lagarde failed to reverse the upward momentum of the EUR/USD pair on Thursday.

On the data front, at 19:30 GMT, the Consumer Confidence from Europe for January dropped to -16 against the expected -15 and weighed on Euro that capped further upside in EUR/USD pair. From the U.S. side, at 18:30 GMT, the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index for January rose to 26.5 against the forecasted 11.2 and supported the U.S. dollar that limited the upward momentum in EUR/USD pair. The Unemployment Claims from last week were decreased to 900K from the forecasted 930K and supported U.S. dollar. 

For December, the Building Permits rose to 1.71M against the forecasted 1.60M and supported the U.S. dollar. From December, the Housing Starts also rose to 1.67M against the forecasted 1.56M and supported the U.S. dollar that also weighed on the rising EUR/USD prices.

Despite strong macroeconomic data from the U.S., the greenback remained on the back foot on Thursday. It declined almost 0.2% against its rival currencies amid the rising hopes for a further stimulus package under Joe Biden’s administration. This weakness of the U.S. dollar also supported the EUR/USD pair’s rising prices on Thursday.

Furthermore, the U.S. recorded the death toll from coronavirus above 400,000, and it was expecting about 500,000 deaths from the pandemic by mid-February. This alarming situation prompted Joe Biden to sign orders to intensify the vaccination program that ultimately added to the market’s risk sentiment and supported the risk perceived EUR/USD pair on Thursday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2006      1.2091

1.2039      1.2106

1.2058      1.2139

Pivot Point: 1.2062

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD is trading with a bullish bias at 1.2128 level. The EUR/USD is holding right below 50 periods EMA on the hourly timeframe, extending the EUR/USD pair’s resistance. On the lower side, the support level continues to hold around 1.2120 and 1.2062 level. The MACD and RSI are suggesting a mixed bias for the EUR/USD pair. Buying can be seen over 1.2115.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD pair was closed at 1.37332 after placing a high of 1.37456 and a low of 1.36469. GBP/USD pair rose to its highest since May 2018 on Thursday amid broad-based U.S. dollar weakness and a rising appetite for risk. The GBP/USD pair rose for 3rd consecutive session on Thursday as the global appetite for risk was raised, with Joe Biden sworn in as 46th President of the United States. Another reason behind the rising GBP/USD prices was the weaker U.S. dollar driven by the rising hopes for a massive stimulus package under Biden’s administration.

The new President is expected to announce a $1.9 trillion stimulus package to help the American economy survive through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has cost more than 400,000 American lives. Markets were confident that the stimulus package would boost the global economic situation and, in turn, will also push the risk-sensitive Pound higher.

 Moreover, the British Pound was already strong onboard due to Bank of England’s governor Andrew Bailey who expected a pronounced recovery in Britain’s economy as vaccination against coronavirus is underway. On Thursday, the Bank of England released the credit conditions survey that indicated an increase in the mortgage payment default rates at the beginning of 2021 as the pandemic’s economic impact hit the households. This weighed a little over British Pound and capped further upside in GBP/USD pair on Thursday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3622      1.3717

1.3576      1.3764

1.3528      1.3811

Pivot Point: 1.3670

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD pair continues trading sideways between a narrow trading range of 1.3740 – 1.3703 level. On the lower side, a bearish breakout of 1.3703 level can extend the selling trend until the next support level of 1.3679 level. Conversely, a bullish crossover of 1.3740 can extend buying trend until the 1.3775 level. Let’s keep our eyes on the 1.3700 level today.

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY pair was closed at 103.489 after placing a high of 103.666 and a low of 103.325. The currency pair USD/JPY remained under consolidation and posted small losses as the U.S. dollar remained weak throughout the day. The main driver of currency pair USD/JPY on Thursday remained the rising hopes for massive stimulus from the new President of the U.S. and the latest growth outlook from the Bank of Japan.

The Bank of Japan kept its monetary policy steady on Thursday, upgraded its economic forecast for the next fiscal year, and warned of escalating risks to the outlook as new coronavirus emergency measures threatened to disrupt a fragile recovery.

Bank of Japan maintained its targets under yield curve control at -0.1% for short-term interest rates and around 0% for 10-year bond yields. The Governor of BOJ Haruhiko Kuroda said that the board had discussed the bank’s review of its policy tools due in March, though he also dropped a few hints on the outcome.

In the fresh quarterly projections, the Bank of Japan upgraded next fiscal year’s growth forecast to a 3.9% expansion from a 3.6% gain seen three months ago based on hopes the government’s huge spending package will soften the blow from the pandemic. This projection raised the Japanese Yen that ultimately weighed on the USD/JPY pair on Thursday.

However, BOJ offered a depressing view on consumption and warned that services spending would remain under strong downward pressure due to the fresh state of emergency measures taken this month. Kuroda said that the risk of Japan sliding back into deflation was not high and signaled the BOJ had offered sufficient stimulus, for now, to ease the blow from COVID-19.

On the data front, at 18:30 GMT, the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index for January advanced to 26.5 against the anticipated 11.2 and supported the U.S. dollar. The Unemployment Claims from last week fell to 900K from the anticipated 930K and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further downside in the USD/JPY pair. For December, the Building Permits advanced to 1.71M against the anticipated 1.60M and supported the U.S. dollar. The Housing Starts from December also advanced to 1.67M against the anticipated 1.56M and supported the U.S. dollar and limited USD/JPY pair losses.

From Japan, at 04:50 GMT, the Trade Balance from December dropped to 0.48T against the expected 0.70T and weighed on the Japanese Yen that limited the downfall in the USD/JPY pair on Thursday. Despite the stronger than expected macroeconomic data from the U.S., the greenback fell by 0.2% against the basket of six currencies and weighed on the USD/JPY pair as the hopes for a massive stimulus package from Democratic President Joe Biden increased.

Joe Biden is expected to announce a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that will ultimately weigh on the local currency. Furthermore, the rising death cases from coronavirus in the U.S. also weighed on the U.S. dollar as the death toll surpassed 400,000 and raised fears. The weakness of the U.S. dollar dragged the USD/JPY prices on the downside on Thursday.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.53      104.16

103.31      104.56

102.91      104.78

Pivot Point: 103.94

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

On Friday, the USD/JPY continues to trade sideways inside a wide trading range of 104.340 – 103.560. The USD/JPY has formed a sideways channel on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.800 upon the breakout of 104.810. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

The eyes will remain on the European German ZEW Economic Sentiment data and the Current Account figures from Europe on the news front. All of the figures are expected to have a mixed impact, which may put sideways in the single currency Euro. Besides this, the eyes will stay on the German Final CPI figures.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

 

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

Today in the Asian trading session, the EUR/USD currency pair successfully extended its overnight bullish streak and remained supportive around just below 1.2100 level of upbeat market trading that weighed on the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar weakness was seen as one of the key factors that pushed the currency pair higher. However, the sentiment around the equity market was being supported by the expectations of additional fiscal stimulus. It should be noted that the U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is ready to take Office on January 20, pushing for the $1.9 trillion stimulus package already planned last week. Meanwhile, the cautious sentiment ahead of the Biden government’s inauguration and the coronavirus (COVID-19) worried added further weakness to the greenback and contributed to the currency pair gains. Across the Atlantic, the Eurozone finance ministers’ latest push for financial support for their economies to boost the post-pandemic recovery plans also played its major role in underpinning the EUR/USD currency pair. 

The escalating concerns over the COVID-19 cases and economically-painful hard lockdowns keep questioning the pair’s upside momentum on the bearish side. As of writing, the EUR/USD currency pair is currently trading at 1.2087 and consolidating in the range between 52.17 – 52.49. The market trading sentiment managed to erase its previous-day losses and turned positive during the Asian trading session on the day. However, the reason could be attributed to the high expectations of additional fiscal stimulus. It is worth recalling that the U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is ready to take Office on January 20, pushing for the $1.9 trillion stimulus package already outlined last week. In the meantime, the Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen is expected to push the government to “act big” with its next coronavirus relief package when she testifies before the Senate later on Tuesday. This latest optimism put a bid under risk assets and weighed over the safe-haven U.S. dollar. 

On the bearish side, the concerns about rising COVID-19 cases and economically-painful hard lockdowns keep challenging the upbeat market performance, which was seen as the key factor that kept the lid on any additional gains the currency pair. As per the latest report, the COVID-19 cases in Europe, the U.S., and the U.K. decreased somewhat but still not satisfactory as the strains are spreading faster, which in turn cause fresh activity restrictions. Moving ahead, the market traders will keep their eyes on the German ZEW survey, which is due to release later in the day. Meanwhile, the covid updates and any additional stimulus hint will also be key to watch.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2006      1.2091

1.2039      1.2106

1.2058      1.2139

Pivot Point: 1.2072

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD is trading over 1.2064 support level, and closing of bullish engulfing candles over the same level supports the chances of

bullish correction until the 1.2115 level. On the lower side, the bearish breakout of the 1.2065 level can drive the selling trend until the support level of 1.2005. The 50 EMA and MACD suggest the pair is oversold and should reverse back slightly before exhibiting selling bias.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD currency pair failed to stop its previous session bearish bias and drew some offers around the 1.3535 level mainly due to the prevalent cautious mood, which underpinned the U.S. dollar and contributed to the currency pair losses. The optimism over the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines helps the currency pair to limit its deeper losses along with capping the losses could be the latest report by U.K. vaccine deployment minister Nadhim Zahawi that everyone will be granted a vaccine by September. Currently, the GBP/USD currency pair is currently trading at 1.3537 and consolidating in the range between the 1.3524 – 1.3602.

Despite the on-going optimism about a potential treatment/vaccine and U.S. coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus bill, the market risk mood failed to stop its previous negative performance and stay bearish during the European session amid growing market concerns over the potential economic fallout from the continuous rise in new COVID-19. The worries were further fueled by Friday’s disappointing U.S. monthly Retail Sales figures for December. 

At the USD front, the broad-based U.S. dollar extended its early-day gaining streak and remained bullish during the European session on the day as investors still preferring to invest in the safe-haven assets in the wake of the risk-off market sentiment. However, the U.S. dollar gains were seen as one of the key factors that kept the currency pair lower. 

The currency pair was further pressured across the ocean by the imposition of fresh restrictions in the U.K. On the other hand, the optimism over the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines failed to give any meaningful support to the currency pair. The market traders will keep their eyes on the BOE Gov Bailey Speaks along with the Candian Housing Starts data. In the meantime, the coronavirus saga developments could play a key role in influencing the market risk sentiment and the USD price dynamics. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3555      1.3722

1.3445      1.3781

1.3387      1.3890

Pivot Point: 1.3613

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD pair trades have bounced off over the support level of 1.3534 level, and it’s likely to face resistance at the support become resistance level of 1.3617 level. Bullish crossover of this level can extend buying trend until 1.3697 area. On the lower side, the violation of the 1.3534 support level can extend the selling trend until the 1.3457 level. The MACD and RSI are in support of buying; thus, we should consider buying over 1.3617 and selling below the same.   

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY currency pair failed to stop its previous-day declining streak and remained depressed near 103.70 level mainly due to the worsening coronavirus (COVID-19) woes in the U.S., Europe, and some of the notable Asian nations like Japan, which fuel doubts over the global economic recovery and weighs on the market trading sentiment. In that way, the prevalent cautious sentiment benefitted the safe-haven Japanese yen and was seen as one of the key factors that exerting pressure on the USD/JPY currency pair. 

In contrast to this, the broad-based U.S. dollar strength, backed by the market risk-off tone, has become the key factor that helps the currency pair limit its deeper losses. Meanwhile, the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine’s positive developments help the market trading sentiment limit its deeper losses, which might change the currency pair’s direction. As of writing, the USD/JPY currency pair is currently trading at 103.77 and consolidating in the range between 103.69 – 103.93.

Despite the optimism about a potential treatment/vaccine, the market risk mood failed to stop its previous negative performance and stay bearish during the European session amid growing market concerns over the potential economic fallout from the continuous rise in new COVID-19. These worries were further fueled by Friday’s disappointing U.S. monthly Retail Sales figures for December. At the data front, the core retail sales declined 1.4% month-on-month in December, which was higher than the 0.1% contraction in forecasts and the 1.3% contraction recorded in November. Simultaneously, the Producer Price Index (PPI) increased 0.3% month on month in December, while retail sales declined 0.7% MoM in the same month. 

At the coronavirus front, the coronavirus (COVID-19) resurgence in Europe and the U.S. is still not showing any sign of slowing down, which keeps fueling the doubts over the economic recovery as the authorities in the U.S. and Europe keep imposing back to back restrictions over activities in efforts to control the spread of the virus. This, in turn, exerted downside pressure on the market risk tone and contributed to currency pair losses.

The traders will focus on the BOE Gov Bailey Speaks, and the Candian Housing Starts data. In the meantime, the coronavirus saga developments could play a key role in influencing the market risk sentiment and the USD price dynamics. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.53      104.16

103.31      104.56

102.91      104.78

Pivot Point: 103.94

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

The USD/JPY continues to trade sideways in between a wide trading range of 104.340 – 103.560. The USD/JPY has formed a sideways channel on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.800 upon the breakout of 104.810. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

The market may offer thin trading volume and volatility on the back of a holiday in the U.S. The U.S. banks will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day. However, the German Buba report will be in focus today to predict price action.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

 

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

During Monday’s early European trading hours, the EUR/USD currency pair failed to stop its previous session losing streak and remained sideways around the 1.2071 mark due to the sluggish market sentiment underpinned the safe-haven U.S. dollar and contributed to the currency pair gains. Besides this, the selling bias around the currency pair could also be attributed to the rising COVID-19 and stricter activity restrictions in Europe, raising doubts about the European economies and pushing the shared currency down. Conversely, the EUR/USD currency pair’s declines were rather unaffected by the latest reports suggesting that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte faces a confidence vote in the lower house. Currently, the EUR/USD currency pair is currently trading at 1.2075 and consolidating in the range between the 1.2065 – 1.2086.

The global equity market failed to stop its previous session’s bearish performance and remained sluggish during the early European session as concerns about the potential economic fallout from the Covid-19 surge remain on the cards. These concerns were triggered after Friday’s disappointing U.S. monthly Retail Sales data. At the data front, the core retail sales declined 1.4% month-on-month in December, which was higher than the 0.1% contraction in forecasts and the 1.3% contraction recorded in November. Meanwhile, the Producer Price Index (PPI) increased 0.3% month on month in December, while retail sales declined by 0.7% in the same month.

The equity market losses could also be tied to the prevalent cautious mood ahead of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s first day of duty and initially negative signals for taxpayers and Canadian oil companies. In that way, the bearish tone around the equity markets was seen as one of the key factors that helped the safe-haven U.S. dollar.

Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2148     1.2178

1.2129     1.2189

1.2118     1.2208

Pivot Point: 1.2159

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD is trading over the 1.2065 support level, and the closing of Doji candles above the same level supports the chances of

bullish correction until the 1.2115 level. On the lower side, a bearish breakout of 1.2065 can extend the selling trend until the support level of 1.2005. The 50 EMA and MACD suggest the pair is oversold and should reverse back a bit before exhibiting selling bias.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD currency pair failed to maintain its overnight bullish bias and drew some offers around the 1.3680 level mainly due to the downbeat market trading mood, which underpinned the U.S. dollar bullish and contributed to the currency pair losses.

At the USD front, the broad-based U.S. dollar managed to extend its early-day gaining streak and remained bullish during the European session on the day as investors still prefer to invest in the safe-haven wake of the risk-off market sentiment. The U.S. dollar has been supported by the Democrat victories in the runoff Senate elections in Georgia earlier in the month, which saw a surge in U.S. yields as Democrats got control of Congress. The U.S. dollar gains were seen as one of the key factors that kept the currency pair lower. The U.S. Dollar Index that tracks the greenback against a bucket of other currencies rose by 0.05% to 90.800 by 10:46 AM ET.

At home, the wave of the coronavirus and tighter travel restrictions in Europe keep fueling the doubts over economic recovery as back-to-back lockdown restrictions negatively affect economic activities. The latest report suggests the total novel coronavirus cases of 23,653,919 yesterday against 23,440,774 in the previous report on January 16.

Besides this, the selling bias around the currency pair could also be associated with the ever-rising numbers of COVID-19 and tougher lockdown restrictions in the U.K., which keep raising doubts over the economic recovery. In contrast to this, the latest reports suggest that the Bank of England (BOE) will keep the interest rates unchanged until 2024 to avoid negative rates, which helped the currency pair limit its losses. Also capping the losses could be the latest optimism around the coronavirus better situation in the U.K. 


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3555     1.3722

1.3445     1.3781

1.3387     1.3890

Pivot Point: 1.3613

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD pair also trades sideways between a narrow trading range of 1.3549 – 1.3452. On the higher side, a bullish breakout of 1.3549 level can extend the buying trend until the next resistance area of 1.3628 and 1.3698. Conversely, a bearish breakout of 1.3549 support level can extend the selling trend until 1.3455 and 1.3346. 

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY currency pair successfully maintained its bullish bias and took steps near mid- 103.00 regions largely due to the market’s downbeat mode and a big rally in the U.S. bond yield retained the U.S. dollar bullish and added to the currency pair accruals. Nevertheless, the market trading opinion was being pressed by the ever-rising figures of COVID-19 and stricter lockdown restrictions that keep fueling doubts over the global economy’s recovery. 

Meanwhile, the equity markets’ slumps were further bolstered by the renewed Sino-US tussle, which extended some support to the safe-haven Japanese yen and capped the upside for the USD/JPY currency pair. Conversely, the optimism about a potential treatment/vaccine and U.S. coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus bill keeps challenging the market risk-off mood, which might change the direction for the USD/JPY currency pair. Currently, the USD/JPY currency pair is currently trading at 103.78 and consolidating in the range between 103.70 – 103.85.

The market trading sentiment failed to stop its early-day negative performance and remained pessimistic during the Asian trading session. The downfall was completely sponsored by the fears of intensifying coronavirus (COVID-19) conditions throughout the world, which keeps fueling the doubts over the global economic recovery from COVID-19. As per the latest report, France recently imposed a new nationwide lockdown, while German Chancellor Merkel is considering toughening the German lockdown. Apart from this, nearly 22M people are currently under strict lockdown conditions in China’s Hebei province. This happened right after the country posted the largest number of new Covid-19 infections in over 5-months on Wednesday. 

At the USD front, the broad-based U.S. dollar managed to extend its early-day gaining streak and remained bullish during the European session on the day as investors still prefer to invest in the safe-haven securities back of the risk-off market sentiment. The greenback has been supported by the Democrat victories in the runoff Senate elections in Georgia earlier in the month, which saw a surge in U.S. yields as Democrats got control of Congress. The U.S. dollar gains were seen as one of the key factors that kept the currency pair lower. The U.S. Dollar Index that tracks the greenback against a bucket of other currencies rose by 0.05% to 90.800 by 10:46 AM ET.

At home, the wave of the coronavirus and tighter travel restrictions in Europe keep fueling the doubts over economic recovery as back-to-back lockdown restrictions negatively affect economic activities. The latest report suggests the total novel coronavirus cases of 23,653,919 yesterday against 23,440,774 in the previous report on January 16.


Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.53     104.16

103.31     104.56

102.91     104.78

Pivot Point: 103.94

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

The safe-haven currency pair USD/JPY slipped to trade at 104.054 level amid increased demand for safe-haven assets. The USD/JPY has formed an upward channel on the 4-hour timeframe, and it has the chance of leading the pair towards the next resistance level of 104.340 level. The 50 periods EMA supports the bullish trend, and we may have odds of taking a buying trade over the 103.570 level today. Good luck! 

On the news front, eyes will remain on the ECB President Lagarde Speaks as she may discuss the upcoming monetary policy event; however, the major focus will remain on the U.S. Inflation rates, which may help determine the further direction of the U.S. dollar.

Economic Events to Watch Today  

  

---

EUR/USD – Daily Analysis

The EUR/USD closed at 1.22077 after placing a high of 1.22095 and a low of 1.21369. After falling for three consecutive sessions, the EUR/USD pair rose on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar eased and U.S. Treasury declined. The U.S. Dollar had hit a more than two and half year lowest level in January after sliding for months as the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its interest rates and speculation of heavy rounds of fiscal stimulus under President-elect Joe Biden’s tenure. However, after Democrats won the Georgia runoff elections, the hopes for massive stimulus packages increased, and the U.S. Treasury yields started to rise that ultimately lifted the U.S. dollar.

This rise in the U.S. dollar weighed heavily on EUR/USD pair during last week; however, the recent rally in U.S. Treasury yields ran out of the stream, and the dollar came back to its previous levels. The U.S. Treasury yield on a 10-year note reached a 10-month high on Tuesday but ultimately had a reverse effect and weighed on the U.S. dollar. This slide-in U.S. dollar added gains in EUR/USD pair on Tuesday as the investors started taking profits. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that country was ready to settle its frayed relationship with the European Union back on track and called on the 27 nation bloc to display the same determination. 

These new lockdown measures across Europe to fight the second wave of coronavirus raised the fears of a double-dip recession in the Eurozone that added weight on the single currency Euro and capped further upside in the EUR/USD pair on Tuesday.

On the data front, there was no macroeconomic data to be released from Europe while from the U.S., at 16:00 GMT, the NFIB Small Business Index for December dropped to 95.9 against the expected 100.1 and weighed on the U.S. dollar that ultimately added in the gains of EUR/USD pair. At 20:00 GMT, the JOLTS Job Openings for November rose to 6.53M against the expected 6.42M and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further gains in EUR/USD pair. At 20:02 GMT, the IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism came in line with the forecasts of 50.1.

Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.2159     1.2234

1.2111     1.2259

1.2085     1.2308

Pivot point: 1.2185

EUR/USD– Trading Tip

The EUR/USD is gaining support at the 1.2200 level, and below this, it can dip further until the 1.2189 level. On the higher side, the pair may face resistance at the 1.2226 level, and a bullish breakout of this level can extend the buying trend until 1.2260. The RSI and MACD support a bullish trend, but there’s a chance of bearish correction upon the violation of 1.2190. On the 4 hour timeframe, the EUR/USD pair may face resistance at the 1.2220 level, which is extended by a downward trendline.

---

GBP/USD – Daily Analysis

The GBP/USD closed at 1.36645 after placing a high of 1.36702 and a low of 1.34932. After falling for four consecutive sessions, the GBP/USD pair raised on Tuesday after Sterling strengthened amid the Bank of England’s positive comments. The Pound Sterling jumped against the U.S. dollar and the Euro on Tuesday as comments from the Bank of England’s governor Andrew Bailey on the viability of negative interest rates dampened some sub-zero rates’ expectations in the U.K. 

Bailey said that there were many issues with cutting interest rates below zero, and such a move could hurt banks. After these comments from Bailey, the British Pound gained traction and raised that ultimately pushed the GBP/USD pair higher on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, The Deputy Governor of Bank of England, Ben Broadbent, said on Tuesday that Britain’s coronavirus pandemic was likely to have a limited long-run impact on inflation and has led to less short-term downward pressure on prices than might have been expected from the slump in headline economic output. Broadbent said that a smaller slowdown in inflation reflected shifts in consumer demand during the pandemic that had led to temporary capacity constraints in businesses, as well as support to household incomes from government furlough schemes.

On the data front, at 05:01 GMT, the BRC Retail Sales Monitor for the year for December dropped to 4.8% against the expected 5.9% and weighed on British Pound and capped further upside in GBP/USD pair. From the U.S. side, at 16:00 GMT, the NFIB Small Business Index for December declined to 95.9 against the projected 100.1 and weighed on the U.S. dollar that ultimately added the gains of the GBP/USD pair. At 20:00 GMT, the JOLTS Job Openings for November surged to 6.53M against the projected 6.42M and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further GBP/USD pair gains. At 20:02 GMT, the IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism came in line with the projections of 50.1.

On the other hand, the U.S. dollar was also weak on Tuesday as the U.S. Dollar Index dropped as investors kept an eye on U.S. politics while pressure continued to grow to impeach President Donald Trump. Furthermore, the U.S. dollar was also weak as the prospects of massive stimulus packages from Joe Biden’s government raised as he has shown a willingness to add trillions in new relief bills that ultimately supported the upward momentum of the GBP/USD pair.

Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

1.3555     1.3722

1.3445     1.3781

1.3387     1.3890

Pivot point: 1.3613

GBP/USD– Trading Tip

The GBP/USD is trading at 1.3692, and it has closed a doji candle on the four hourly timeframes, and it may extend a bearish correction in the GBP/USD pair. On the lower side, the support stays at 1.3636 and resistance at 1.3692 and 1.3720 today. The GBP/USD pair’s 10 & 20 periods EMA is supporting bullish bias in the Sterling. The MACD and RSI thesupport bullish bias; therefore, bullish bias dominates over the 1.3646 level today.

---

USD/JPY – Daily Analysis

The USD/JPY pair closed at 103.749 after placing a high of 104.333 and a low of 103.718. After rising for four consecutive days, the USD/JPY pair dropped on Tuesday amid the slide in the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar index dropped to fresh weekly lows in the 90.20 level as hopes for additional fiscal stimulus raised and provided support to high yielding equities. The House of Representatives introduced an impeachment article against U.S. President Donald Trump that weighed on the U.S. dollar and dragged the pair USD/JPY on the downside.

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell almost 0.3% on Tuesday against its rivals, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yields dropped to a session’s low of 1.146%. The U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday and recovered from the previous session’s losses, with investors looking for additional fiscal stimulus amid continued political turmoil. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 0.3%, and the S&P 500 was down by 0.6% lower while NASDAQ was low by 1.2%.

On the data front, at 04:50 GMT, the Bank Lending for the year from Japan dropped to 6.2% against the forecasted 6.5% and weighed on the Japanese Yen that capped further losses in the USD/JPY pair. The Current Account Balance from Japan for November raised to 2.34T against the forecasted 2.00T and supported the Japanese Yen that ultimately added the USD/JPY pair’s losses. At 10:00 GMT, the Economic Watchers Sentiment dropped to 35.5 against the expected 36.9 and weighed on the Japanese Yen, which capped further losses in the USD/JPY pair.

From the U.S. side, at 16:00 GMT, the NFIB Small Business Index for December decreased to 95.9 against the anticipated 100.1 and weighed on the U.S. dollar that ultimately added further losses in the USD/JPY pair. At 20:00 GMT, the JOLTS Job Openings for November increased to 6.53M against the anticipated 6.42M and supported the U.S. dollar that capped further losses in the USD/JPY pair. At 20:02 GMT, the IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism came in line with the anticipations of 50.1.

Meanwhile, the safe-haven appeal rose on Tuesday after fears rose that there could be further disruptions in the days leading up to Biden’s inauguration on January 20. FBI has said that it has received information specifying that armed protests were being planned at all 50 state capitols and Washington. The FBI’s comments raised the safe-haven appeal and supported the safe-haven Japanese Yen that ultimately added the USD/JPY pair’s losses on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard said that the federal banking agencies were in the process of enlisting requests for information on the risk management of artificial intelligence applications in financial services. Whereas, the Boston Federal Reserve Bank President Eric Rosengren said that the U.S. economy could see a strong rebound in the second half of this year as vaccinations became widely available and that monetary policy will remain accommodative. However, the virus was still driving the economy. The losses in USD/JPY pair were also capped on Tuesday after the Donald Trump administration said that it was releasing millions of coronavirus vaccine doses and urged states to offer them to all Americans over age 65 or with chronic health conditions.

Daily Technical Levels

Support   Resistance

103.53     104.16

103.31     104.56

102.91     104.78

Pivot point: 103.94

USD/JPY – Trading Tips

The safe-haven currency pair USD/JPY slipped to trade at 103.623 level amid increased demand for safe-haven assets. On the lower side, the USD/JPY pair has completed 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 103.611 level, and on the further lower side, the USD/JPY pair may find support at 50% Fibonacci level of 103.400 level. The MACD and RSI support selling bias; therefore, we may find support at the 103.283 level. Let’s consider taking the buying trade over the 103.283 level and selling below the same. Good luck!